Málaga's playmaker Isco has admitted he would like to follow Manuel Pellegrini, his "footballing father", to Manchester City if as expected the head coach is confirmed as Roberto Mancini's successor at the Etihad Stadium.

While Pellegrini admitted last week he will not be at the Spanish club next season the Chilean has refused to be publicly drawn regarding whether it is City he will join, but he did hint on Sunday that the club is an "option".

But Isco, a Spaniard who is also thought to be of interest to a host of top European clubs including Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain, was explicit about the influence of the coach. "He's been my footballing father and I know that he likes me and, for me, of course I would like to continue with him because he's given me all the confidence in the world," Isco said, before detailing how he would choose his next club as the 21-year-old prepares to leave Málaga, who have serious financial problems.

"It's a very important decision for me and I don't want to get it wrong. I have doubts because I want to play, wherever it is, and that's the most important thing. I don't want to regret it after not getting many minutes. I'm not closing my door to anyone but my priority is to play and I don't want to be on the bench. We'll see what happens in the summer."

Pellegrini leaves Málaga following the weekend's final round of La Liga games and after the club's last home match on Sunday he said: "I am lucky to have good options and Manchester City is an option."

With their season ending on Saturday at Barcelona, if Pellegrini is to take over at City the club may announce his tenure in the next day or so following a match that the Spanish club may need to win to confirm qualification for next season's Europa League.

With Yaya Touré, Gael Clichy and Sergio Agüero all having recently signed fresh contracts, Pellegrini would begin pre-season at City with a squad in which the established front-line players, Carlos Tevez and Gareth Barry apart, all have settled futures .